Mikkel Tyne - Junior - Eligibility through 26-27 season

[Section9_RowD]

5'10", 180 lb guard. I almost forget that Mikkel reclassified during his Spider recruitment—he has a May birthday and will still be just a young 20 entering his junior year. He won’t even be old enough to buy 6 case of Milwaukee's Best at the (sadly not defunct) Getty Store until after spring semester ends.

Since he’s one of the few returners, most fans already have pretty solid opinions about his strengths and weaknesses. During a pretty disappointing season overall, he was the only Spider to start every game. His minutes jumped from 17 per game as a freshman to 32 as a sophomore, and he didn’t come out of the game at all for five straight games from 2/19 to 3/8—including the double OT debacle against Dayton. He also increased his scoring from 4.0 to 9.3 points per game.

That said, his assist numbers have been low both years, and while his field goal percentage improved from 32% to 38%, it's not where it needs to be for a starting A-10 guard.

My take is that with B. Artis White’s early injury and Delo also going down, too much was asked of Mikkel last year. I was hoping he’d be ready for the challenge and become one of our next great undersized guards—but it might’ve been too much for him.

I’m not sure how his role will evolve this season, but I hope he keeps developing. If he can cut down on some of the reckless "too fast" plays and turnovers—and settle into his place in the program— I think his junior year will be a better one and the he hopefully heads to being a 4 year Spider grad.

Highlights of Mikkel from the Fordham game when he scored 19.

 

[RichmondNative]

Of all the returners, Tyne is the player that I think determines the most about this coming season and possibly next year too. I am not saying that Tyne is this year’s go to guy and instead am saying his level of improvement is key. I feel like Mooney is going to give him every opportunity to prove himself and if the needed improvements are seen then we are in a win-win situation. Otherwise I fear the return of lineup “experimentation” during the OOC schedule like last season. The discussion about a new approach to the Summer practices and the mention of “urgency” gives me some hope that a decision about Tyne’s usage could be made early and quickly however. I expect Tyne and Johnson to be starting in the first few games though.

 

[*23*]

I tend to agree with you and 17 - it's Tyne's job to lose in Mooney's mind. And agree that if it is apparent early that best lineup includes either Lopez or Thomas at the other guard - we need that move made and implemented ASAP. From a size and athleticism standpoint, not crazy about plugging in Tyne and Tanner next to Johnston. With Daughtry and Walz - I think are good/OK athletes that probably aren't top of the line defenders or guys that rebound outside of their space (like a Bigs). So just not sure that Tyne and Tanner will work. While I am pulling for Tyne, if he comes out hot on offense he probably is going to stay in the lineup. Will be interesting to see how it shakes out.

 

[Spidey]

Of all the returners, Tyne is the player that I think determines the most about this coming season and possibly next year too. I am not saying that Tyne is this year’s go to guy and instead am saying his level of improvement is key. I feel like Mooney is going to give him every opportunity to prove himself and if the needed improvements are seen then we are in a win-win situation. Otherwise I fear the return of lineup “experimentation” during the OOC schedule like last season. The discussion about a new approach to the Summer practices and the mention of “urgency” gives me some hope that a decision about Tyne’s usage could be made early and quickly however. I expect Tyne and Johnson to be starting in the first few games though.

We are not big enough at other positions on the court to keep having our biggest defensively liability in the game.

 

[*23*]

You are talking my language on these post Spidey. I am always a believer that you need to have a sound defense first and foremost. Again, if Mooney is Over loyal to Tyne and Tanner, we will struggle to stop other team's and be at a disadvantage. Based on past results and feedback, not sure who we have that can be considered plus defenders. Hoping Lopez, Bryson and Robinson can beef up the defensive side of the court.

 

[Spidey]

We are not big enough at other positions on the court to keep having our biggest defensively liability in the game.

“defensive liability”